BART explores express, split/merge service

BART officials have begun reviewing system operations with a eye toward offering both express services and split/merge operations, where a train is divided or joined en route to or from two different terminal points.

The concepts are being explored because BART expects 50% more passengers on its system by 2025, in part due to added BART extension serving Antioch, Calif., and San Jose.

"It's our way for planning for the future and the massive growth this region is expecting in the next 10 to 15 years," said BART spokeswoman Alicia Trost to local media. "It's not just about increasing service; it's also about becoming much more efficient and reducing greenhouse gases, and it's about economic development in the Bay Area."

Also on BART's to-do list is buying new train cars, installing more advanced signaling systems, and adding track capacity, which would aid express service offerings. Increased off-peak and weekend frequency also is being explored.